CHAPTER ELEVEN
-ESTRADA-
It had been about a week since Estrada had overheard her parents' hushed conversation. The memory of their furrowed brows and tense voices was still fresh in her mind, but she couldn't quite recall what they had been discussing. Despite this, she couldn't shake off the lingering worry that seemed to have settled in the house like a heavy fog.
As each day passed, Estrada couldn't help but notice the increasing concern and stress etched onto her parents' faces. She attempted to comfort them with small gestures of kindness, but their troubled expression
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The long-awaited day had arrived, heralding the commencement of the revered Alpha Games. Participating in this event was a dream come true for me. Imagine this – if I win, I’ll be crowned the Alpha of the legendary Gravemaw Hounds! It's been my ultimate dream since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. I've always had my sights set on leading the pack, ever since I can remember. And now, with victory in my sight, that dream feels closer than ever.Excitement pulsed through my veins as I paced back and forth in the locker room, eagerly anticipating the start of the games. The early morning light filtered in, casting a soft glow on the empty space around me. Just a few early risers were scattered about, like eager bees buzzing before the hive comes to life. But soon enough, the place would be bustling with energy and anticipation as all the other competitors arrive. The calm before the storm, they say. Well, I can’t wait for the storm to hit!The locker room burst o
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The Alpha Games had been going on for approximately one week now, and today marked the final showdown. The competition had initially consisted of over a hundred highly skilled and experienced alpha werewolves. But as the days passed, that number steadily decreased until only three remained. Boris Gravemaw was an expected finalist, known for his incredible strength and clever tactics. However, I, Wilhelmina Growler, was a surprising addition, using a combination of intelligence and brute force to succeed. And finally, my older brother Weldon - a master strategist - completed the trio.The final event was set at midnight during the full moon, when our transformations were at their peak. The rules were simple; whoever could retrieve the Alpha's Crown from the heart of the treacherous Dark Woods and bring it back to the pack grounds was the new Alpha. The Crown, a symbolic relic, was set deep within the forest, surrounded by traps and challenges designed to test o
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-The storm was a monstrous entity, a simmering chaos that loomed above the forest. It seemed to echo the tumultuous fury within my heart, thundering with all the passion and determination that drove me forward. Despite the storm’s rage, I pushed on, my paws sinking into the sodden earth with each determined step. Suddenly, there it was - amidst the riotous weather and foreboding wilderness - a shimmering glint caught my eye.Through the heart of the storm, nestled between the gnarled roots of an ancient oak was the Alpha's Crown, gleaming with an ethereal light that cut through the darkness. The Alpha's Crown – a legendary artifact of our kind, imbued with the collective strength of countless leaders. It was said to hold the essence of every pack leader who'd ever worn it. Now, it sat nestled between twisted roots, caught in the spectral dance of lightning that fractured the darkness every few moments. The crown was an intricate weave of silver and gold, studde
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-"Wilhelmina, you can't beat me. Just give up," His voice was grating, like stones scraping against each other. It sent shivers coursing down my spine. But his words — his taunting — only served to ignite a spark within me, a spark that fanned the flickering embers of my will into a blazing defiance. The wolf inside me snarled, refusing to bow to the likes of Boris, refusing to be tamed by the tormenting poison."Never," I spat out, my voice raspy but charged with defiance.Suddenly, without warning, my legs gave out from under me. I collapsed onto the forest floor, the icy storm soaking into my fur. My trembling muscles rebelled against every attempt to rise as the venom continued to spread its numbing tendrils through my body. Slowly, my body started to change. My fur disappeared, replaced by skin pale as the moonlight that filtered in through the stormy canopy overhead. My paws shrank, forming into hands and feet. My muzzle and ears shortened, the elongated
CHAPTER ONE-WILHELMINA-I woke up slowly, my senses struggling to adjust. The sound of a soft beeping intruded upon my consciousness, the rhythmic pulses both foreign and comforting. A faint antiseptic smell prickled at the back of my nostrils, a testament to the sterile environment I found myself in. My body felt heavy, weighed down with a fatigue that seemed bone-deep.My eyes fluttered open, assaulted by the pale fluorescent lighting, its harsh glare softened by wispy white curtains drawn around my bed. The room was unfamiliar but impeccably clean, the walls painted a soothing shade of seafoam green. Potted plants dotted every corner, their vibrant green leaves reaching out towards the sunlight streaming in from the window.I was in a hospital bed, my body covered with a soft, white quilt that felt as feathery light as a cloud. A soft humming echoed through the room, emanating from what appeared to be a sophisticated machinery nearby, laced with wires and tubes hooked up to my arm
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-It had taken approximately seven days since I'd woken up in the hospital, recovering from being poisoned by Wolf's Bane. Today, at last, I was being released. According to the doctor, all traces of the poison had been eliminated from my body and it would no longer have any effect on me.Feeling the fresh air on my face as I stepped out of the stifling infirmary was like being reborn. The hospital room had started to feel like a prison cell, and the mere sight of the towering pines and lush greenery of our territory made my heart flutter in relief.Weldon had arrived early that morning to take me home. He watched me with a protective gaze, always ready to leap to my side if I showed any sign of faltering. But I was a wolf. We were built tough and we healed fast. "I'm okay, Weldon," I reassured him as we walked to his SUV.He gave me a sidelong glance, his fingers tightened on the steering wheel. The raw concern in his gaze reminded me of how much he cared for h
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-After the dinner was finished and satisfied sighs echoed around the room, Severa and I slipped away. Raina shot me a knowing look as we quietly excused ourselves. The night was alive with starlight, painting the earth in hushed tones of silver and shadows. We began our nocturnal adventure into the forest, guided by the familiar paths that were carved into our memory.The moon, in its haunting beauty, bathed the pathway in an ethereal glow. Its light danced on the leaves, and made the dew drops twinkle like a thousand tiny stars.We meandered along the trodden trail, our steps quiet against the rustle of leaves beneath our feet. The forest was a symphony of sounds, where the occasional hoot of an owl could be heard harmonizing with the soft cadence of crickets, and each rustle of the trees was an interlude that added depth to the melody.Our destination was the Old Willow – a generous giant of a tree – older than anyone could remember. Its bark was thick and gn
CHAPTER TWO-WILHELMINA-The growl that rumbled from my chest was loud and clear this time. Weldon cleared his throat. "Mina, maybe you should rest. You were only discharged from the hospital today, and your doctor emphasized the importance of resting."With an almost imperceptible nod, I acknowledged Weldon's suggestion, my gaze remaining locked on Boris. The shadows danced across his smug face, mocking me. Grudgingly, I broke eye contact, "Just because you won the title doesn't mean you've earned it."My words hung in the air, a final punch leaving Boris's smirk faltering for a moment. I turned on my heels and strode into the house through the backdoor. Inside, the warmth of the home enveloped me, but the chill of the confrontation lingered in my bones. I moved through rooms filled with the chatter and laughter of my parents and our guests, the sound now grating on my frayed nerves. I headed up to my room, a place that always felt like an oasis amidst the chaos of pack life.Closing
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-It had been about a week since Estrada had overheard her parents' hushed conversation. The memory of their furrowed brows and tense voices was still fresh in her mind, but she couldn't quite recall what they had been discussing. Despite this, she couldn't shake off the lingering worry that seemed to have settled in the house like a heavy fog.As each day passed, Estrada couldn't help but notice the increasing concern and stress etched onto her parents' faces. She attempted to comfort them with small gestures of kindness, but their troubled expression
CHAPTER ELEVEN-ESTRADA-The Gravemaw Hounds' territory was basked in warm, golden sunlight under a cloudless spring sky. Giggles echoed through the air as three young girls, 4-year-old Estrada Evercrown and her best friends Bellatrix and Rae Greymane, sat in the woods behind the Greymane family's home.With a firm grip, Estrada held Rae's chestnut locks in her small palms. She skillfully weaved dainty primrose petals from the nearby fields into the cascading brown strands. Her attentive gaze was fixed on creating a stunning floral creation.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-As we moved further away from the council room, I finally broke the silence and elaborated on the situation. "Thorin, keep your distance from Boris. I don't want him discovering that Severa has left her mark on you."Thorin, normally stoic and composed, swallowed at my words. There was conflict in his eyes, a stormy sea of fear and longing. "If you didn't want him to know it was me, why did you tell him?"I paused, feeling my gaze linger on Thorin's visibly anxious expression. "It will make him para
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-Weldon and Thorin exited the room first. I trailed behind them, but paused at the doorway and looked back at Luna Mother and Boris."Also, just so you're aware," I added, drawing their focus. "Due to the ongoing investigation, all ceremonies will be suspended until further notice."Boris leaped up from his chair, his anger evident on his face. "How dare you?" he roared. "I am to be married tonight! Do you expect me to cancel the wedding?!"
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I raised a skeptical eyebrow and asked, my gaze turning icy. "And who do you think is the mastermind behind your beloved cub's strings?"The Luna Mother let out a deep sigh, her frustration evident in her rising voice. "How am I supposed to know?" she asked, shaking her head. "I'm just making assumptions here."Before I could ask any more questions, she fixed her cold stare back on Weldon. "You mentioned Wolf's Bane, did you not? Are you talking about the unfortunate incident where the Luna
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-We walked into the manor. The servants were bustling around us in a chaotic yet coordinated manner. However, I couldn't ignore the palpable tension that hung in the air, likely due to the commotion outside which they had undoubtedly heard and seen."I shall tell my mother and father of what has happened," Lady Basia announced. "Good luck with confronting Boris.""Thank you, Lady Basia," I replied, dipping my head in acknowledgment. Her gaze was steady but I could see the concern in her eyes
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-It wasn't long before we arrived at the Alpha's Estate. As we approached the estate, I could see that there was a disturbance unfolding near the grand entrance of the manor. Outside, the Alpha Father and a group of servants were gathered around a young man who appeared to be enraged. They were trying to calm him down."Sh*t," Weldon mumbled, his brows furrowed."It's that your brother?" Thorin asked, his voice full of concern.
CHAPTER TEN-ANTONIO-I gazed out the car window, replaying the events of the previous night in my mind. The spot where Wilhelmina had bitten me was concealed beneath the fabric of my shirt, but the fierce heat of it seemed to radiate outwards like a beacon.I didn't sleep a wink last night. My mind was full of thoughts about Wilhelmina, replaying her touch, her seductive whispers in my ear and the sensation of her teeth and lips on my neck.Every time I closed my eyes, I found myself subjected to vivid images o
CHAPTER TEN-WILHELMINA-I woke up in the early hours of the morning, greeted by sunlight. As I slowly opened my eyes, I shielded them from the bright rays. I looked around the room. This wasn't any bedroom I recognized. Where am I, I thought confused. I felt the mattress beneath me move slightly, and I turned my head to look at the other side. Severa was fast asleep, her breathing calm and steady. I'm not alone. If Severa is here, we must be-, I thought.